Rieslings shine at Clare’s regional wine show

The winners of the 30th 2024 Clare Valley Wine Show were revealed on Friday afternoon during an awards ceremony and luncheon in Clare, where Riesling was a highlight variety, securing its reputation as the region’s star.

After a week-long judging session by a panel of wine industry experts from New South Wales, Perth, across South Australia and the Clare Valley, the Penna Lane 2024 Watervale Riesling received the highest honour at the show, accepting Best Wine of Show.

Nick Stock, chair of the judging panel, stated that this year’s wine show results reinforced the proliferation of quality across a diverse array of wines from throughout the region.

“The judges of the 2024 Clare Wine Show found wines of compelling style and quality across the board in terms of style and flavour,” he said, “Specifically, the Rieslings stole the show, with the top Reisling showing elite level quality and site-driven distinctiveness in a classic style – it’s an exemplarity wine.”

Stock noted that although the total number of entries was slightly lower than in previous years, the overall standard was uplifting throughout the competition.

“The 2024 vintage Rieslings are a return to wines that offer deliciously flavourful drink-now wines, as well as classically styled examples that will reward long term cellaring and improve over many years. Both styles are a great asset to the region.”

“The quality of red wine entries continues to ascend with a notable uplift in vineyard-driven quality complemented by insightful winemaking. Consumers are curious for Clare reds and the region’s offering is attractive in terms of more up-to-date styles, unquestionable quality and wines that suit those seeking value as well as aspirational collectors and sommeliers,” he said.

This year’s show attracted 41 exhibitors, with submissions of 423 entries across 25 classes. A total of 258 medals were awarded, including 46 Gold, 72 silver and 138 bronze.

Trophy winners, announced at the 2024 Clare Valley Wine Show luncheon in Clare, were:

BEST SWEET WHITE OF SHOW

Pikes Wines 2023 First Cut Riesling

BEST ROSÉ OF SHOW

Pikes Wines 2024 Luccio Sangiovese Rose

BEST DRY WHITE OTHER THAN RIESLING

Pikes Wines 2024 Luccio Albarino

BEST EXHIBITION SECTION RIESLING

2023 VINTAGE

Atlas 2023 172 Watervale Riesling

BEST EXHIBITION SECTION RIESLING 2022 VINTAGE AND OLDER

Jim Barry 2017 Florita Riesling

BEST VINTAGE SECTION SHIRAZ

Taylors 2023 Heritage Shiraz

BEST VINTAGE SECTION CABERNET SAUVIGNON

Jim Barry 2022 The Farm Cabernet

BEST VINTAGE SECTION GRENACHE

Pauletts 2023 BMS Brielle Grenache

BEST VINTAGE SECTION OTHER DRY RED

Jim Barry 2022 St Clare Cabernet Sauvignon, Malbec

BEST DRY RED FROM EXHIBITION SECTIONS

Jim Barry 2021 St Clare Cabernet Sauvignon, Malbec

BEST FORTIFIED WINE OF SHOW

Jim Barry 1975 Tawny

CHAIR OF JUDGES AWARD

Pikes Wines 2024 Olga Emmie Riesling

MICK KNAPPSTEIN TROPHY BEST CURRENT VINTAGE RIESLING

Penna Lane 2024 Watervale Riesling

CARL SOBELS TROPHY

BEST VINTAGE SECTION DRY RED

Jim Barry 2022 St Clare Cabernet Sauvignon, Malbec

BEST RIESLING OF SHOW

Penna Lane 2024 Watervale Riesling

BEST SMALL PRODUCER

Naked Run Wines

BEST SINGLE VINEYARD WINE

Penna Lane 2024 Watervale Riesling

VITICULTURIST TROPHY

Anthony Koerner

BEST EXHIBITOR OF SHOW

Jim Barry Wines

BR JOHN MAY TROPHY | WINE OF PROVENANCE

Pauletts 2024, 2017, 2012 Polish Hill River Riesling

JIM BARRY TROPHY | BEST WINE OF SHOW

Penna Lane 2024 Watervale Riesling

Judges for this year’s show were:

Chair of judges:

Nick Stock

Judges:

Erin Larkin – Panel Chair

Matt Turnbull – Panel Chair

Louella Mathews – Judge

Kelly Wellington – Judge

Rob Mack – Judge

Marie Clay – Judge

Dylan Lee – Associate Judge

Lauren Hutton – Associate Judge

Lauren Langfield – Associate Judge

Matt Pedder – Associate Judge

Chad Bowman – Associate Judge

Jacqui Smith – Associate Judge

Jarrad Steele – Chief Steward